We are now accepting expressions of interest for

Queensland Racing Appeals Panel

Applications are now closed. For enquiries, please contact our team.

Scroll for more information

Create a fairer and more transparent appeals process for Queensland’s racing industry.

Overview

About the Role

Apply

Useful Links

Contact Our Team

Overview

Racing Appeals Panel

Our purpose

The Racing Appeals Panel is an independent entity that provides quick, accessible and fair reviews of stewards’ decisions under the Rules of Racing in Queensland.

About the Panel

The Racing Appeals Panel, an independent body established in 2023 under the Racing Integrity Amendment Act 2022, is seeking dedicated individuals to join as Deputy Chairpersons and Panel Members.

The QRAP was formed to create a fairer and more transparent appeals process for Queensland’s racing industry, enlisting an independent new Panel of members, Chairperson, and Deputy Chairpersons.

The Panel has replaced the previous internal and external review processes, to:

  • Finalise review applications within the prescribed timeframes; and

  • Ensure racing decisions are made in accordance with the law and the Rules of Racing to maintain the integrity of the racing industry in Queensland.

Other background information

The Racing Integrity Act 2016 (the Act) establishes the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) as an independent statutory authority, with a range of functions regarding the integrity of the racing industry, including the greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing codes.

Stewards, who are QRIC employees, can decide, among other things, to suspend, reprimand and/or warn-off persons for breaches of the Rules of Racing. The Act provides a framework to allow racing participants to challenge decisions made by QRIC.

Available Opportunities

We are seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of Deputy Chairpersons and Panel Members (multiple positions) for the Queensland Racing Appeals Panel (QRAP).

  • Demonstrated high-level knowledge and understanding of the racing industry

  • Proven ability to properly exercise sound judgment and effective and timely decision-making

  • Ability to maintain impartiality and independence to promote the integrity of the racing industry.

As part of the selection process, applicants are required to disclose any adverse media coverage or relevant matters that may impact their suitability for appointment. This ensures transparency and upholds the integrity and public confidence in the Panel’s operations.

 

Deputy Chairperson

Overview of position

At least two Deputy Chairpersons are to be appointed as independent statutory officers under the Racing Integrity Act 2016 by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games for a term up to three years.

  • Applications are being sought from persons with relevant qualifications and expertise who are interested in appointment as Deputy Chairperson(s) of the Racing Appeals Panel.

    The Minister may recommend a person for appointment to the role of Deputy Chairperson(s) only if they are:

    • a lawyer of at least five years standing.

    A person is not eligible for appointment if they:

    • are, or have been in the 2 years before the proposed appointment, a member or employee of the Racing Queensland Board; or

    • are registered or licensed by the Racing Queensland Board; or

    • have a financial or proprietary interest in a licensed animal; or

    • are a member of a committee, or an employee, of—

      • a licensed club; or

      • an association formed in Australia to promote the interests of 1 or more participants in a code of racing; or

    • are affected by bankruptcy action; or

    • have a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for—

      • an offence against the Racing Integrity Act 2016 or the Racing Act 2002; or

      • an indictable offence against any Act; or

      • an indictable offence against a law of another State.

  • The key responsibilities of the Deputy Chairperson(s) are to:

    • act as the Chairperson if, and when required and as a Panel member

    • assist the Chairperson to lead the operation of the Racing Appeals Panel as an independent entity including by determining guidelines and practice requirements for panel processes

    • represent the Racing Appeals Panel on behalf of the Chairperson, as required

    • exercise the powers and functions of the Racing Appeals Panel to determine applications for review in accordance with law

    • act impartially and observe the rules of natural justice

    • comply with procedural requirements and practice guidance of the Racing Appeals Panel

    • whilst not being bound by the rules of evidence, weigh and consider information before the Panel in a way that is just and fair

    • exercise sound judgement and good governance in a timely manner whilst upholding the integrity of the racing industry to maintain community confidence

    • be available for hearings in various locations across Queensland either in person or online

    • report conflicts of interest

    • engage respectfully and professionally with all participants in the Racing Appeals Panel process

    • write decisions of the Panel as required and in short timeframes

    • participate in the implementation and ongoing effective and efficient administration of the Racing Appeals Panel

    • participate in meetings if, and when required

    • to report to the Chairperson any perceived conflicts of interest.

  • The following key competencies are required to perform the key responsibilities of the role:

    • demonstrated leadership skills including stakeholder engagement, commensurate with the responsibilities and requirements of the role

    • demonstrated high level knowledge and understanding of the racing industry

    • proven ability to properly exercise sound judgment and effective and timely decision making

    • ability to maintain impartiality and independence to promote the integrity of the racing industry

    • demonstrated ability to hear and determine applications for review

    • experience in writing reasons for decision on short time frames

    • demonstrated high level ability to effectively preside over hearings

    • high level interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing

    • ability to effectively use a variety of information technology.

  • The Deputy Chairperson holds office on the conditions in the Racing Integrity Act 2016 and as decided by the Governor in Council and stated in the instrument of appointment. The Deputy Chairperson(s) are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Panel Member

Overview

Members of the pool of persons from which the Chairperson may constitute a Panel are independent statutory officers appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.. Panel members are appointment for a term up to three years.

  • Applications are being sought from persons with relevant qualifications and expertise who are interested in appointment to the Panel from which the Chairperson can constitute a Panel to decide an application for review.

    The Minister may recommend a person for appointment only if satisfied the person is eligible for appointment. To be eligible for appointment, the person must demonstrate professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

    • chemistry relating to animals

    • law

    • racing

    • veterinary science

    A person is not eligible for appointment if they:

    • are, or have been in the 2 years before the proposed appointment, a member or employee of the Racing Queensland Board; or

    • are registered or licensed by the Racing Queensland Board; or

    • have a financial or proprietary interest in a licensed animal; or

    • are a member of a committee, or an employee, of—

      • a licensed club; or

      • an association formed in Australia to promote the interests of 1 or more participants in a code of racing; or

    • are affected by bankruptcy action; or

    • have a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for—

      • an offence against the Racing Integrity Act 2016 or the Racing Act 2002; or

      • an indictable offence against any Act; or

      • an indictable offence against a law of another State.

  • The key responsibilities of panel members are to:

    • when requested by the Chairperson, exercise the powers and functions of the Racing Appeals Panel to determine applications for review in accordance with law

    • act impartially and observe the rules of natural justice

    • comply with procedural requirements and practice guidance of the Racing Appeals Panel and as agreed by the panel

    • whilst not being bound by the rules of evidence, weigh and consider information before the Panel in a way that is just and fair

    • exercise sound judgement and good governance in a timely manner whilst upholding the integrity of the racing industry to maintain community confidence

    • be available for hearings in various locations across Queensland either in person or online

    • report conflicts of interest

    • engage respectfully and professionally with all participants in the Racing Appeals Panel process

    • assist in the drafting of written decisions as required

    • participate in meetings if, and when, required

    • contribute to the establishment and ongoing effective and efficient administration of the Racing Appeals Panel and

    • report to the Chairperson any perceived conflicts of interest.

  • The following key competencies are required to perform the key responsibilities of the role:

    • demonstrated high level knowledge and understanding of the racing industry

    • proven ability to properly exercise sound judgment and effective and timely decision making

    • ability to maintain impartiality and independent to promote the integrity of the racing industry

    • high level interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing

    • ability to effectively use a variety of information technology.

  • A Panel member holds office on the conditions in the Racing Integrity Act 2016 and as decided by the Governor in Council and stated in the instrument of appointment. Panel members are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

How to Apply

Requirements

To be considered for this role, please provide the following information for the assessment of your suitability:

  • A one to two-page pitch or cover letter briefly describing the position you wish to apply for and how you meet the key competencies required for the role, and

  • Your two-page current resume detailing your previous work or voluntary experience, including two referees who have personally observed you displaying the key competencies required for the role.

In addition, please provide the following information via email.

As part of the selection process, applicants are required to disclose any adverse media coverage or relevant matters that may impact their suitability for appointment. This ensures transparency and upholds the integrity and public confidence in the Panel’s operations.

People from diverse backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are encouraged to apply.

A government policy aim is that 50 per cent of new appointments to Government Boards should, where possible, be women, in support of the Women on Boards strategy

Download Information Pack

Applications are now closed. For enquiries, please contact our team.

Contact Our Team

General Enquiries

Please reach out and a member of our team will get in touch.